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New to a 2012 SEL, 3.5l, need to tow.


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Just picked up a '12 SEL. Seems like a nice car so far.

It's got the 3,5 V6 and I need to tow. It does not have a hitch.

I know it's rated for #3500 and I'll likely not ever get much past #2000-#2500. I've put the VIN into one of those decoders online and it says #3500 towing capacity but it does not say if it has a specific tow package and, as I said, it does not have a hitch.

My current plan is to put a Class IV hitch under it and one of the plug-n-play wiring harnesses.

My question is, "Since I don't think it really has a tow package, should I go ahead and put an extra tranny cooler on it? I'm leaning heavily towards yes but don't know if I really need to...

I may also put some air bag suspension helpers in the rear coils depending on how it sags with the bike on a trailer behind it.

 

I have searched but not a lot helpful out there so I'd love to hear comments and suggestions.

 

Thanks

 

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Just picked up a '12 SEL. Seems like a nice car so far.

It's got the 3,5 V6 and I need to tow. It does not have a hitch.

I know it's rated for #3500 and I'll likely not ever get much past #2000-#2500. I've put the VIN into one of those decoders online and it says #3500 towing capacity but it does not say if it has a specific tow package and, as I said, it does not have a hitch.

My current plan is to put a Class IV hitch under it and one of the plug-n-play wiring harnesses.

My question is, "Since I don't think it really has a tow package, should I go ahead and put an extra tranny cooler on it? I'm leaning heavily towards yes but don't know if I really need to...

I may also put some air bag suspension helpers in the rear coils depending on how it sags with the bike on a trailer behind it.

 

I have searched but not a lot helpful out there so I'd love to hear comments and suggestions.

 

Thanks

If it's just an occasional short tow, then no added cooler needed. If more than that, I would install a cooler.

 

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Really? Can you post a source? According to everything I've read, including what I can decipher from the VIN, it's rated at 3500 pounds.

From what I've been able to find the only things added for the tow package is hitch, wiring and a larger radiator and fans to accommodate the trans cooler. I have seen nothing indicating any suspension differences.

I won't be towing a lot but the occasional trip to Florida of 1200 ish miles round trip once a year or so.

Edited by ORradtech
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You can check on www.etis.ford.com for the features included in your build. It will mention class II tow package if it is included.

 

As for parts, probably only what you listed us different, though I think the trans cooler is part of the condenser and is the same for both, tow & non-tow. But, sometimes there is more than what is advertised, for example the MKX (the Edge's mechanical twin) gets a larger opening behind the grille to allow more airflow when equipped with the tow package. Also, the engine tuning is different, I know with tow package you also get trailer sway control and I believe a higher engine idle speed (650 Vs 600 rpm).

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  • 6 months later...

Obviously am late to this party. So what, if anything, did you end up doing?

 

My 14’ limited had not receiver hitch so I had UHaul put a class 3 on.  About $400 and they did the 4 pin lights as well.

I’ve hauled the single axle covered 5x8 and the dual axle covered 6x12 with it. The 6x12 is a lot heavier and started to squat the rear end of the Edge when the trailer was empty. Loaded and “balanced” it didnt change more than an inch. Balancing the load is key, the weight too far forward and your Edge wont like it at all.

 

The gas mileage when pulling the covered 5x8 with about 1K in it dropped from 25 to 17 with no hills and 65mph.  It could definately be felt behind the Edge. The 6x12 was that much more “feelable”.  

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